Gabbei David Lee
November 27, 1919 – June 11, 2015
Gabbei Lee lived a life of dedication and honorable service. He was born in 1919, the same year Rabbi W.A. Matthew founded Commandment Keepers Congregation in Harlem. He was raised as a Jew in Brooklyn, New York, by his parents , Steven and Fannie Lee, who instilled in him from the earliest age that he was descended from the Israelites of the Bible. His family kept a kosher home and arranged for him to receive Hebrew instruction at Yeshiva Rabbi Chaim Berlin, where he was Bar Mitzvah at the age of 13. In interviews (see recording below), Gabbei Lee recalled encountering very little racism at the yeshiva—accept for the initial humiliation of having to prove that he was circumcised.
During World War II, Gabbei Lee was drafted into the United States Army. He went to Europe where he served in France, Germany, and Luxemburg. He was honorably discharged in 1946 at the rank of Staff Sargent. When he returned to America he married Violet Noel with whom he had two children, Steven and Norah. We now know that Gabbei Lee was one of several Black Jews who served in World War II, including Rabbi Bezallel Yehuda.
In 1955, Gabbei Lee visited Commandment Keepers Congregation for the first time. His mother heard that there was a Black synagogue in Harlem led by Rabbi W.A. Matthew. He remained a member and officer of the congregation for over 50 years. In 1975, Rabbi Chaim White elevated David Lee to the post of Gabbei, a layperson entrusted with assisting the rabbi with various responsibilities. Following the sale of Commandment Keepers Congregation, Gabbei Lee became a member of Beth Elohim Hebrew Congregation until the end of his life.
Gabbei Lee was an elder like unto the 70 elders that Moses selected to help lead the children of Israel through the wilderness. His steadfast loyalty, wise counsel, and unshakable dedication will live forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love him.
Funeral Service / Internment
Tuesday, June 16th, 6:00 pm / Wednesday, June 17th, 9:00 am
J. Foster Phillips Funeral Home
179-24 Linden Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Listen to this interview and oral history